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Post by Goanna on Jun 11, 2011 21:55:45 GMT -5
Childhood
Feraja cubs are born in litters of up to six offspring, and are looked after primarily by the mother. Often the father will be absent, as mothers usually breed opportunistically. If a father stays with his mate, then he will help to look after his children by providing food for the family. The cubs are born blind and deaf, but covered in fur, and so they are heavily reliant on their parents to care for them. They will start to hear within a week, and their eyes will open sometime shortly after. While in this vulnerable stage, they remain in their nests; flattened tunnels in the long grass. As they become more aware of their surroundings they can be quite adventurous and attempt to wander off.
Once they are fit and strong enough to venture out into the kingdom, the parents will take their offspring to show to the rest of the group, and if they are accepted, they will merge in with the others and become one with the lifestyle.
Cubs are weaned once they are a few weeks old, and they will usually stay with their parents until they are at least a year old.
Royal cubs are treated with respect by all other members of the kingdom, and most adults will opt to help with feeding the queen/Queen. The birth of the cubs will be announced to everyone early on, but they will usually not mingle with other members of the kingdom until they are a few months old.
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Post by Goanna on Sept 30, 2011 5:29:27 GMT -5
Adulthood
Adolescent ferajas can come into a bit of a shock once they pass through their cubhood, as they move from a sheltered lifestyle into being low ranked in the kingdom. They are expected to perform their duties without question and are often given menial tasks such as cub-sitting or patrolling borders. During their youth, ferajas must also learn to fly, an added pressure to their life. This culminates in a coming-of-age ceremony where they show off their skills around the cliffs.
A feraja reaches maturity at around two and a half years of age. They will move into a more respected position and ranking, and be provided with a role to fill. Depending on whether the land can support new life, the royal pair may allow members of the pride to breed, either with fellow pridemembers or with those on the outskirts. Adult ferajas spend most of their time hunting, socialising, or performing other duties for their King or Queen.
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Post by Goanna on Sept 30, 2011 5:29:35 GMT -5
Reproduction
Ferajas are able to reproduce once they reach around three years of age. Females usually have litters of 2-6 cubs, every two years or so. However, whether or not a pair can mate is dependent on their royal couple.
The King and Queen of the ferajas mate every few years, and it is up to them to decide whether or not to allow the others of their kingdom to mate. Breeding seasons are announced usually in the years when the royal pair aren't mating, or when food and safety is in surplus. Occasionally, a pair will be granted individual permission if they seek it. It's not uncommon for disallowed breeding to take place, however, and there are penalties associated with it (see the beliefs & politics section for more).
Female ferajas, during an allowed breeding season, will usually find a mate during this time and simply couple with a male for the purpose of producing offspring only. Some ferajas do take permanent mates though, and just wait until they are allowed to mate. There is no 'norm' when it comes to ferajas; some are monogamous, and some are not.
Mating takes place during Spring, and females birth in Summer, when prey is most plentiful, and the plains aren't too dry due to the help of the Summer rains.
Females are attracted to the male's ruff, and a thicker, lighter coloured ruff is seen as a sign of virility. Couples aim to impress each other by performing aerial feats during courtship. The stronger the pair is, the trickier antics they will attempt, such as circling around each other in flight.
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Post by Goanna on Sept 30, 2011 5:29:45 GMT -5
Old age
Ferajas usually live for around 14 years, but fatalities are not uncommon at younger ages, considering the environment they live in. Royalty usually live for longer; most up to 16 years, as they aren't out around the cliffs or hunting.
As they age, ferajas retain their gift of flight, yet most elderly ferajas will limit their aerial trips to shorter distances and heights for fear of falling.
Ferajas that are about to or have passed away will often be taken by family members to the Graveyard where they can pay their last respects. It's a long journey and therefore must be taken with accompaniment.
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